Failed nursing class 6 months away from graduation, need Advice

amoLucia · Dec 7, 2016

Nothing to say - I just want to give you a hug!

Nurse Lizzy, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2016

Thanks I can use all the hugs I can get.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2016

I hate that for you. :no: Truly...to be failed over a motor skill, when it sounds like your knowledge level is there. I mean I completely understand the need to keep sterile -- in fact, my hospital's policy is to have 2 RNs present for foley placement as a CAUTI prevetion measure. The 2nd RN is to watch and speak up if sterile technique is compromised, and to assist when more hands are needed. Plus, in real life if we accidentally contaminate something, we get new supplies and start over. Skills can be taught. In fact, in certain settings (ED comes to mind) unlicensed personnel are trained to do some nursing skills. And of course if you were earning failing grades on the content and application, then you should fail. But over a motor skill alone, that stinks.

Sorry I don't have better advice, but wanted to show some support.

Sour Lemon · Dec 7, 2016

So here I am 6 months away from graduation being told I have to drop the class and retake it because I failed my foley critical element 3x. I kept breaking sterility by touching the draping. I practiced it so many times, I don't know what happened. I truly believe my nerves got the best of me. I feel as if my world just crashed down around me. Never in a million years did I think this could have happened. I have been working towards my Associates nursing degree for 6 years because I work full time. I am so mad at myself, I should have gotten more help from the practice lab. My average in the class was good too! ugh and the worst part is my school only offers this class in evenings again next fall so I can't even take it for the upcoming spring semester. I have to wait almost a year to take it again. So here I am going on year 7 for a 2 year degree. The only option I have is to take a pharmacology class this spring needed for my bachelors so I don't waste a semester. I have met with the chairperson of my nursing department at school after this happened for a meeting. I pleaded with them that I would take any help and do whatever it takes to stay in the course since my grades are good. They said they have heard nothing but wonderful things about me from my clinical professors but they are sorry and feel terrible but there is nothing they can do since it is their policy to dismiss a student if a critical element is failed 3x. I am contemplating going into another field because I feel so bitter and discouraged. Maybe I don't have what it takes to be a nurse. I just don't know anymore. I am tired and burnt out. Nursing school has been my life for the past 6 years of my life. I feel totally lost right now. I would really appreciate and helpful advice. No discouraging comments please this is a very hard time for me.

I took the scenic route and about 5-6 years to get my ASN. I also "failed" a clinical due to absences (because of illness). A really bad cold literally set me back a semester. It's very discouraging to have to re-do a class, but it happens to quite a few people for one reason or another.

My advice is to accept complete responsibility for your failure and move on. There was a minimum requirement and you didn't meet it. Likewise, I actually had to show up to class. My instructor was helpful and great, but I didn't meet the minimum requirement, so she couldn't pass me.

I never considered giving up as I had too much time and money invested- plus, I don't take things like this personally.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Dec 7, 2016

I don't see where anything is lost since you will probably need that bachelor degree to find a nursing job anyway...depending on your area. Seven years for a two-year degree sounds the same as six years for a two-year degree. You haven't lost a thing that you hadn't lost going into year three.

I'm not saying that to be harsh; that's just the reality. So, keep moving forward with whatever you can take towards the BSN. Nothing has changed that didn't change for you a few years ago...from where I sit. Things could be a whole lot worse, where you could have been that OP who has spent the last six years trying to pass the NCLEX (that person has been spinning wheels for the past few years). You, on the other hand, have been progressing slowly due to other obligations. Keep it moving...

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 7, 2016

Sorry this happened to you. But keep in mind that catheters are the main cause of hospital-acquired UTIs, so correct insertion is a skill that any nurse has to get down pat.

IMO, give yourself a short period to mourn this (a few days max) then decide what you want to do. Right now you are upset--and understandably so--and are more likely to take things too much to heart or be too critical on yourself. So let yourself grieve, and then decide what to do next.

Considering that you are just 6 months away from graduation, why would you let this stop you? If you really want to pursue nursing, retake the class. You wouldn't be the first nurse who failed a class in nursing school and you won't be the last. And a lot of those nurses who failed that class go on to do very well in nursing.

If you decide to not pursue nursing any further, that's fine too. But I think you should make that decision in a few days, when emotions aren't coloring your view as much and you put things in perspective. Don't make a rash judgment that you may regret later just because you're hurting now.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

amoLucia · Dec 7, 2016

To HereIStand - 2 nurses for a foley insertion - WOW!! I've worked NHs where I was the ONLY sole nurse for the whole place - forget about 2 nurses.

To OP - make that a BIG hug!

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Dec 7, 2016

To the OP, this should put a smile on your face.

https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/ok-ok-this-883996.html

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Dec 7, 2016

To HereIStand - 2 nurses for a foley insertion - WOW!! I've worked NHs where I was the ONLY sole nurse for the whole place - forget about 2 nurses.
To OP - make that a BIG hug!

Yes, that's how it's been at a lot of places. This year, 2016, my hospital has begun the 2-nurse Foley-insertion practice as well. They've begun to take hospital-acquired UTIs very seriously, since most hospital-acquired anything runs the potential of the hospital eating that cost.

caliotter3 · Dec 7, 2016

Don't give up now. Once you reach your goal, it will be that much more sweet. Feel sorry for those who fail out with no recourse whatsoever. As long as you live to return another day, you have your goal available to you. Take the pharm course, and maybe another course or two. And find a way to practice motor skills. See if the school will allow you access to the lab to practice. Audit the lab course if you have to, and practice, practice, practice.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2016

Hmmm...the first time I ever inserted a Foley catheter was nearly a year after graduation when I was a nurse at a LTC facility. An experienced nurse walked me through the steps as I inserted it.

I feel for you. I probably would have failed this skill miserably if I had to perform it in school in the presence of my former instructors.